chattr +a -V

Iraq hero joins hallowed group, from the St Petersburg Times:

Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, who spent his boyhood in Tampa, became a man in the Army and died outside Baghdad defending his outnumbered soldiers from an Iraqi attack, will receive America's highest award for bravery.

President Bush will present the Medal of Honor to Smith's wife, Birgit, and their children Jessica, 18, and David, 10, at a ceremony at the White House, possibly in March.

The official announcement will come soon, but the Pentagon called Mrs. Smith with the news Tuesday afternoon.

Since there's no official announcement yet, the citation isn't on line.

Comments by his mother, family, comrades and others are at Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A lengthy account of the battle in which SFC Smith gave his life to save those of his comrades is at The last full measure of devotion.

Hat tip to Blackfive.